Seven Star Park
Overview:Seven Star Park (Qi xing Gongyuan), sits east side of the Li River, 1 kilometer from the city center. Deriving its name from a cave called Seven-Star Cave and features fantastic hills, rivers, caves, rocks, stone tablets and the ancient floral bridge.
The largest park in Guilin, Seven Stars Park occupies an area of over 297 acres. The park is home to streams, karst mountains, cultural relics, stone forests, caves and so much more.
Seven Star Park is named for the seven peaks inside the park which resemble the Big Dipper Constellation. The mountains are dotted with caves, including the Seven Star Cave, the largest in the park, which is filled with incredible stalagmite and stalactite formations. Many pavilions can be found on the mountains. They are a great place for visitors to sit and enjoy bird’s eye views of the surrounding area. Old tombs, and groups of monkeys can also be found on the mountains.
The main entrance to the park is at Flower Bridge. A large stone bridge, originally built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), it offers beautiful views of the surrounding are and the many arches under it, reflected in the water look like a row of moons.
One of the most famous aspects of the park is Camel Hill. A karst rock formation, the hill resembles a camel and is surrounded by plum trees and gardens. It is a favorite photo spot for visitors. Crescent Mountain, in the south of the park is home to the Guihai Stele Forest. The interior of the mountain was carved with hundreds of ancient inscriptions dating back thousands of years. The park is also home to a zoo which shows native animals, including a giant panda.
Inside Seven Star Park is a large Buddhist Temple built in the Tang Dynasty style. It is a beautiful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the park. Inside are many temple buildings and a beautiful garden centered on a large pond. The park has something for everyone and many hours can be spent exploring its many sites.
